American Go E-Journal » 2010 » May

After complaints that “as guys with jobs and kids there’s just no way we could ever play 12 games a month” plus lectures and teaching games “without getting divorced or fired,” Korean-style Insei League founders Alexander Dinerchtein and Ilya Shikshin have started an Insei League on the turn-based Dragon Go Server (DGS). The DGS League will run three months, with just two games between each insei and two games with each teacher, for a total of 10 games. “All members get access to the Insei League room on KGS,” says Dinerchtein, “where they can watch all lectures and simuls. Regular membership for the 3-month DGS Insei League is $95; a $195 all-inclusive membership provides more game reviews.Click here for details

The Orange County Go Club (CA) took top honors in the American Go Honor Society (AGHS) School Team Tournament, which concluded last week after two months of competition. The OC Go Club — featuring Curtis Tang 8d, Calvin Sun 7d, and Jerry Shen 4d, who were undefeated in the event — jumped up to first place after having finished second last year. On the opposite coast, New Jersey’s East Meadow High fielded four teams, and moved up from last year’s runner-up position to win the National Sweepstakes Championship, given to the school with the best overall performance from all teams entered. Nationwide, 92 schools or youth clubs entered the competition, each with 3-person teams, totaling 276 youth of all ages. Now in its 9th year, the event continues to be run primarily by high school students, with guidance from previous AGHS officers. Winners report: Team Champions: Grand National Champions: Orange County Go Club, California; Varsity Division: Jasper High School, Texas; Junior Varsity Division: Bellaire High School, Texas; Intermediate Division: Morningstar Chinese School, California; Novice Division: Mason Huaxia Chinese School, Ohio; Beginner Division: Morningstar Chinese School, California; Sweepstakes Champions: Grand National Champions: East Meadow High School, New York; Rookies Sweepstakes: Morningstar Chinese School, California; Junior Sweepstakes: Fair Oaks Elementary School, California. Click here for full results.- Paul Barchilon, E-Journal Youth Editor; photo: 3rd grader Natalia Loosli of the Fair Oaks Go Club, CA, playing her final round. photo by Vincent Eisman

Four American Go Association (AGA) Board of Director seats are up for election this year, reports Arnold Eudell, who’s coordinating this year’s election process. The terms of four seats – one in each region and the at-large position – expire this September. Nominations are now being accepted and close on June 15; nominations must be made in writing by full members of the AGA. Send to elections@usgo.org Click here for complete election information and qualifications.

Undefeated in their respective League matches, Choi Cheolhan, Won Sungjin, and Park Yeonghun were the first to secure spots Saturday in the 6th Price Information Cup Championship Tournament. Click here for game records, including Yoo Changhyuk-Park Yeonghun and Won Sungjin-Kang Dongyun, as well as Park Jeonggeun’s Friday loss, which ended his hopes to make the finals. Click here for pairings and more game records.- JustPlayGo